Can the Cowboys continue to improve heading into training camp?
The Dallas Cowboys had a busier than usual offseason in 2025, but the offseason is not over. In free agency, the Cowboys added Javonte Williams, Jack Sanborn, Robert Jones, Dante Fowler, Solomon Thomas, and Miles Sanders — all players who have their fair share of starting experience in the NFL.
Additionally, the Cowboys traded for George Pickens, Kaiir Elam, Kenneth Murray, and Joe Milton II — all players who filled big holes on the Cowboys roster. With the draft and bigger name trade targets off the market, what holes could the Cowboys fill before camp with current free agents in the NFL?
The Cowboys currently have remaining holes at slot cornerback, offensive tackle depth, and one-technique depth. Here are three names that make sense for the Cowboys to consider before heading to camp in a little more than two months.
Mike Hilton, CB
One of the Cowboys biggest remaining needs is slot cornerback. After trading for Kaiir Elam and drafting Shavon Revel Jr. in the third-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cowboys did a nice job of putting capable bodies in the room in a room that lacked just that.
Hilton is an eight-year veteran who is still just 30-years old. Hilton has primarily played in the slot for most of his career in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Though he lacks size, he has built a reputation as a quality cover out of the slot and has a knack for taking the football away. Hilton’s veteran presence and slot experience is needed in Dallas and at this point in the offseason he should be relatively affordable.
Justin Simmons, Safety
One area the Cowboys did not address in free agency or the draft was the safety room. Previously, there were questions if either Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson would be cap casualties. While both are currently on the roster, the Cowboys could use a much needed boost to the room heading into the 2025 season.
Justin Simmons is former two-time Pro Bowler and four-time second team All-Pro. Though he has seen his play dip over the last few seasons, Simmons is still a quality depth piece in the safety room that lacks difference makers. Simmons versatility and ball-hawking skills would be an excellent addition to Matt Eberflus’ defense and help shore up the backend of the Cowboys defense.
John Jenkins, DT
Over the last few years we have seen the Cowboys target the defensive line late in the offseason. It would be wise for them to consider doing the same in 2025.
As it stands, Mazi Smith and Jay Toia are the projected one-techniques to break camp and more depth is needed to feel good about that position heading into the season. Jenkins is a long tenured veteran who has 12 seasons under his belt. Jenkins has started 34 games over the last two seasons for the Raiders. While he is not a difference maker, Jenkins would bring something to the room that it is currently lacking, a veteran presence, with size, and plenty of solid starting experience.